JUI-F leader among three killed in blast in Balochistan's Chaman

The security forces have cordoned off the area and started a search operation.

CHAMAN (Dunya News) – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Deputy General Secretary Maulana Muhammad Haneef among three other people lost their lives in an explosion near Chaman area of Qila Saif Ullah, Balochistan on Saturday.

20 other people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Civil Hospital Chaman for medical attention.

According to police sources, the bomb was planted under a motorbike and it damaged several nearby vehicles and motorcycles.

The blast took place on Taj Road, in a busy market place where it shattered windows of nearby buildings. Later, police and security personnel cordoned off the site of the attack and started a search operation.

JUI-F’s Hanif succumbed to the injuries when he was being rushed to a hospital. Later, police determined that the blast took place in front of the JUI-F leader’s office.

JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman condemned the bomb blast, saying that he was deeply aggrieved due to the death of his party’s leader.

“Maulana Mohammad Haneef was a sincere leader,” said Fazl-ur-Rehman, calling the incident a conspiracy against peace.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the tragic incident and prayed for the victims. He expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured. He directed concerned officials to provide all possible treatment to the injured persons.

President Dr Arif Alvi condemned the blast and expressed his deep grief and sorrow on the loss of lives. In a message, the president expressed condolence to the bereaved families.

He said the culprits were the enemies of peace and development of Balochistan.

The president ordered provision of best medical facilities to the injured persons and prayed for their early recovery.

Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmed Shah has also strongly condemned the blast in Chaman, and reiterated the government’s resolve to thwart any conspiracy impeding the development of Balochistan.

In a statement, the Minister expressed heartfelt sorrow and condoled over the loss of innocent lives and property in the blast.

He said the ongoing development in Chaman was haunting the anti-state elements and the attack was an attempt to undermine the determination of law enforcement agencies.

He vowed that the elements involved in the terrorist attack would be taken to task.

He resolved that the government would continue the development works including the trade as well as border security management.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mehmood Khan condemned the blast. CM Khan said the whole nation mourns for the victims of the blast.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the tragic incident and expressed grief over the death of the leader.

Later, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar strongly condemned the bomb blast, in a condolence message, and expressed deep grief over the loss of precious human lives.